Ma Ke Kula - Spring/Summer 2022

Page 1

Ma Ke Kula H AWA I ‘ I P R E PA R AT O R Y A C A D E M Y M A G A Z I N E : S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 2

NOVELIST REIKO RIZZUTO ’81 PROBES HISTORY AND TRAUMA FINANCIAL AID BUILDS KA MAKANI COMMUNITY


M A K E K U L A S P R I N G /S U M M E R 2 0 2 2

FEATURES

12

A Measure of Love

Award-winning writer Reiko Rizzuto ’81 weaves narratives of World War II and trauma into stories that heal.

Creating Ka Makani Community How financial aid honors and upholds HPA’s unique student body.

16

DEPARTMENTS 3

The Mix Mahina ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i Chapel bells A wig to end all wigs Dee Walker on the joys of kindergarten n

n

n

24

Ka Makani Pride

Te‘a Kanuha ’23 builds on family paddling legacy Coach Adam Christodoulou kicks off with a banner year for boys soccer n

28

HPA Connections Class notes Alumni News Giving and more. • Babs Kamrow P’84, ’89 • Peter Young ’70 • Jessica Benioni-Rios ’13 • Dyllon Ching ’16 n

n

n

Final Frame

48

Ma Ke Kula is produced twice per year by the HPA advancement office. Principal photographer: Patrick O’Leary. Other credits as noted. Cover: Balancing a form in HPA's ceramics studio



Growing toward our best selves When graduation day arrived at the Upper School this past May, I attended as both a father and HPA’s leader. Like most parents, I couldn’t believe the day was finally here, when our son, Bear, would walk across the stage, full of pride and ready for new adventures. At every commencement, I feel so fortunate to work and live at HPA. This year, however, I felt even FRED WAW NER / IN T ERIM HE A D more deeply how our community invests in growth, and how dedicated my colleagues are to each student. Like every graduate walking across the stage, Bear has been nurtured, challenged, and held with aloha by HPA. As head of school, I’m inspired and galvanized by our ’ohana. As a dad, I’m filled with gratitude. For all of us on campus, 2021-22 was a year that continued to test our fortitude and creativity as we dealt with pandemic conditions. Meanwhile, we forged ahead with K-12 curriculum alignment, new capstone classes, and the HPA Sustainability Plan, while also completing our ambitious self-study for HAIS-WASC accreditation. It was a busy, busy year! As we strive toward progress, I’m aware of Ka Makani across Hawai‘i and around the world who are doing the same, in public or private, across many different communities and professions. The world needs Ka Makani—the innovation we create and the aloha we have to share. I hope you draw daily inspiration from HPA friends, memories, and the knowledge that HPA is here for you at any time. Mahalo for being with us on the journey.

OF SCHOOL

HPA Board of Trustees Laurie T. Ainslie P’12, ’15,

Nona Hasegawa ’78

William D. Pratt ’86

Robert R. Budway ’76, chair

Ana Yarawamai Hiyane ’00

Michael S. Spalding ’66

Michael J. Chun

Hans L'Orange ’73

Max Unger ’04

Warren Doi P’22

Rob O’Donohue ’95

Bonnie Bogue Wedemeyer ’86

Allison Holt Gendreau P’08

Samuel Pratt ’84

2 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


All Smiles The class of 2022 celebrated its commencement on May 20 with joy, excitement, and time-honored traditions. Warmest aloha and a big welcome to our newest alumni! #KaMakaniForever

3


Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

Sharing Hawaiian words across campus

Last February, in honor of mahina ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language month), Kumu Keao NeSmith wanted to try something new on campus. At a faculty meeting at the end of January, NeSmith and Po‘o Kumu Ka‘ai Spencer introduced the history of the Hawaiian language and how it became such an endangered language in its home country. Then, NeSmith and his students created cards with Hawaiian terms on them for various things around classrooms and hallways, and distributed them to a host of enthusiastic new Hawaiian language learners—from Wishard to the E-Lab. Just like kūkaelio (mushrooms), ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i cards sprouted eia (here) and laila (there)... on pākaukau and pukaaniani and puaʻi wai. To encourage a bit of chatter with the new vocabulary, NeSmith shared audio clips of each word spoken aloud and in a sentence. “A number of my students have told me about speaking the little bit of Hawaiian you were introduced to with them,” NeSmith said in an email to faculty at the end of the month. “That makes me very proud of our HPA community. Mahalo nui.” • 4 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


Parker Ranch celebrates 175th Year Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the country, celebrates its 175th anniversary this year. Established in 1847 by John Palmer Parker, who helped Kamehameha I remove feral bulls from Hawai‘i Island, Parker Ranch has been governed by the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust since 1992. Richard Smart, a sixth generation Parker descendant, created the trust for the betterment of the Waimea community he loved. In particular, his vision for the Trust specified that Parker Ranch income would be used to support and improve healthcare, education, and charitable giving. HPA is one of four beneficiaries of the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust, along with Parker School, Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Richard Smart Fund, and Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital.

Photo: Nani Welch Keli‘iho‘omalu ’14

CHAPEL BELLS WILL RING AGAIN After a months-long successful fundraising campaign, construction on Davies Memorial Chapel is now underway! Erected in 1967, HPA’s chapel is as beloved as it is celebrated, designed by renowned mid-century architect Vladimir Ossipoff. In 2016, HPA was forced to remove the chapel’s ‘ōhi‘a bell tower when it nearly collapsed, and years of deferred maintenance made the building a top priority for capital support. Throughout the campaign, the school heard from couples who were married in the chapel, from those who were baptized in the chapel as infants, and from successive generations of Ka Makani who celebrated and gathered there. Now, thanks to their generosity, the bell tower and four original bells will be returned to their rightful place atop the chapel, with full restoration soon to follow.

5


Earthquakes in the E-Lab The seismic sensor in HPA’s Energy Lab is part of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Network and gives students direct access to the entire Pacific warning system. According to E-Lab Director Dr. Bill Wiecking, “It’s a learning tool unique to HPA, not found in universities or other high schools.” Seen here, a graph of the 7.4 quake and aftershocks that struck off Japan on March 16, 2022.

COLLABORATIVE TURTLE RESEARCH UNDERWAY

SOLAR BATTERY STORAGE NOW POSSIBLE FOR UPPER SCHOOL DORMS

A consortium of researchers including representatives from Stanford, HPA, and other schools will conduct a four-year project to deploy satellite tags on juvenile loggerhead turtles raised in Nagoya, Japan and released in the central North Pacific ocean. The study will test the hypothesis that juvenile loggerheads will transit the Pacific Ocean (west to east) all the way to Baja California when environmental conditions caused by El Niño and La Niña occur. The first trip is scheduled for March 2023 pending funding.

With advances in battery technology paving the way, HPA is now actively seeking funding to bring extensive battery storage to the Upper Campus. While HPA’s photovoltaic (PV) arrays have long collected more than enough energy to power certain areas of campus during daylight hours, thus far, the school has been unable to effectively capture and store energy generated during peak daylight hours (when the demand for energy is relatively low) for use in the early morning and evenings (when demand for energy is at its highest). Over the next three years, the school hopes to deploy new battery storage systems at Perry-Fiske, Robertson, and Carter Halls—which together house 180 Upper School students.

6 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


New endowed gift supports music at HPA This year, thanks to generous donors, the music department has two new endowed funds to bolster its programming for years to come. With a commitment of $250,000 over five years, by 2026, HPA’s Music Ensemble and Program Endowment Fund will provide $11,250 annually to continue ensemble-driven education and programming K-12. “The power of music education is undeniable,” remarks Mario Flores, Upper School music teacher. “Music enhances language acquisition, improves memory, and heightens problem-solving skills, among many other benefits. Add an ensemble-driven component, and you develop these important habits of mind while also strengthening teamwork and developing collaboration skills.” Flores is especially grateful that this gift “will allow our keiki, K-12, to have even greater access to music and to creative opportunities for their development as artists.” In addition, a new endowed award—the Upper School Music Scholarship Award— will honor an outstanding music student. Created by members of the 2020 “Music and Activism” Capstone, priority will be given to a student who identifies as a person of an underrepresented group and for whom access to the arts has historically been challenging. “Personally,” Flores says, “in my twenty-six years of teaching, these are the most exciting and rewarding music opportunities I've had the chance to help develop for a school community.”

7


Mollie Lai: moving at the speed of trust Upper School English Teacher Molly Lai facilitated a new capstone course this past year that focused on social justice and organizing. “The students who have chosen this class are working on projects that serve their communities in some way,” Lai explains. “It’s an example of how capstones are a great opportunity for students to explore something that is interesting to them but that might not fit inside the curricula of the other courses that they are taking.” One of the foundational concepts that the students work with in this capstone is Adrienne Maree Brown's Principles of Emergent Strategy, “which,” Lai explains, “are designed to help people shape the futures we want to see in our world both at the level of the individual and globally.” These principles include zen-like concepts to guide thinking and action: • Small is good, small is all. (The large is a reflection of the small.) • Change is constant. (Be like water). • There is always enough time for the right work. • There is a conversation in the room that only these people at this moment can have. Find it. • Never a failure. Always a lesson.

8 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2

• Trust the People. (If you trust the people, they become trustworthy.) • Move at the speed of trust. Focus on critical connections more than critical mass; build the resilience by building the relationships. • Less prep, more presence. • What you pay attention to grows. “These concepts are helpful in shaping not only the social justice capstone but all capstones,” Lai says, “and I love being able to help students see how they can use these principles to impact their communities, create and manage a long-term project, build relationships, and be resilient in the face of the unexpected.” •


Object Lesson Well-worn and almost notorious, the wig owned by Interim Head of School Fred Wawner makes an appearance whenever it can. Recent generations of Ka Makani remember it from Dorm Wars and HPA Olympics, just for starters. What color would you call this? Neon Blue? Electric Ocean? Cookie Monster? Whatever its shade may be, the wig signals that good times for Ka Makani are about to begin.

9


5 Questions with Kindergarten Teacher Dee Walker

10 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


Dee Walker is a familiar friend to many at HPA; this year marks her 25th year at the school, and her first as Kindergarten teacher. Walker was born on ‘Oahu, and has lived on Hawai‘i Island since childhood. She attended Hawai‘i Community College and University of Hawai‘i, and earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. In her time at HPA, she has served as Lower School educational assistant, after school program director, and Ka Makani Kids Camp director. Now, she is embracing the myriad new responsibilities of her new role, providing joyful learning experiences for her students, and adapting to the unexpected.

Welcoming children into the HPA community for the first time is such a special and important role! What is this transition like, from your perspective? The real magic is the pure and honest energy each child walks in with, and I just work off of that. Keeping it simple and allowing each child the opportunity to feel welcomed and safe immediately helps build trust and comfort. I always try to put myself in the childrens’ shoes and imagine various situations from their perspectives. I find that being calm and patient, acknowledging the child’s feelings, being responsive to their needs, and making the environment fun and joyful brings positive outcomes.

What kind of classroom rituals or routines do you incorporate? My first unit during the fall semester is all about pumpkins. Students grow pumpkins in Ulumau garden; identify the parts of the pumpkin; carve a pumpkin (in time for halloween); measure the girth; sort, count, graph, and taste pumpkin seeds; and share family pumpkin recipes to publish a kindergarten book for each family. In the spring, students study the life cycle of a butterfly. We have caterpillar friends that move in with us. We raise them, study the different stages of butterflies, record our observations, and wait for that much anticipated moment where we get to set our butterflies free. The “oohs and aahs” from those precious little voices are absolutely priceless!

What does capstone preparation look like in Kindergarten? Much of my students’ learning is designed to encompass the framework of Mālama Kaia’ulu. Embracing this framework and incorporating skills reflective of our core essential practices definitely helps to prepare students for future projects and allows them to continue their understanding of sustainability. Students at this age are like sponges and that is all the more reason to gently start incorporating preparational skills they will eventually be able to carry and mature with throughout lower school, middle school, high school, and beyond.

Outside of school, where are we most likely to find you? Like most, family has always been my center, my ground. My family is my happy place. Anything that involves my husband, four sons, and my extended family is what I enjoy outside of school. I love going to the beach, adventuring on any family outings around the island, playing basketball together, and of course attending sporting events. Now that I will have two sons in college, I do hope to travel more to visit them as well. •

11


12 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


A MEASURE OF LOVE Award-winning writer Rahna Reiko Rizzuto ’81 weaves narratives of World War II and trauma into stories that heal

When Rahna Reiko Rizzuto ’81 was in her late 20s, she happened upon a lost family history— and her writing life began. “My mother and my grandmother were held in a Japanese incarceration camp in the 1940s … but they never spoke of this to me,” she says. “I found out when, as a young woman, my mother received a reparations payment from the U.S. government … and I wanted to know more.” Rizzuto began to research.

13


The result of her labors, a novel about the Japanese American incarceration camps, Why She Left Us, won an American Book Award in 2000. It also

“I’M INTERESTED IN HOW

received a Gustavus Myers Outstanding

TO PRESERVE HISTORY

Book Award Honorable Mention and was

WHEN THE PEOPLE WHO

named one of the Best Books of 1999 by the

LIVED IN IT ARE PASSING

Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

ON. WE MUST HONOR

Before she started writing about the trauma of the incarceration camps, Rizzuto

SOME PART OF ACTUAL

had only penned “bad teenage poetry

HUMAN EXPERIENCE.”

written by the waterfall in the pasture behind my parent’s house,” she says. Her parents— Jim and Shirley Rizzuto—are well-known in the annals of HPA. Both were writers in their own right, her father helped to found the Village Campus and was a long-time math teacher and

was my experience. At HPA, I wasn't more or less or different because I was female. I was just me.” Growing up multi-racial in a multi-racial town was

Dean of Studies, and her mother

especially influential for Rizzuto. “But because I look

was a college counselor. Rizzuto

white,” she says, “it was a shock to me when I went to

was also married to fellow Ka

the mainland and realized that other people perceived

Makani Craig Tooman ’80 for 20 years. “HPA was my whole life,” Rizzuto says. “It was a place of creativity for me. There was a lot of freedom!” She

me as white. All of my books so far have been about the Japanese American experience because I kept coming back to this… Where is the Japanese in me? I feel like it was erased when I left Waimea.” In 2001, Rizzuto was awarded a US/Japan Creative

names Gordon Bryson,

Artist Fellowship, funded by the National Endowment

Timothy Luria, and Howard

for the Arts, and spent eight months living in

Hall as being especially

Hiroshima to research her second and third novels.

influential, but she’s quick to add: “Everyone was

While she was there, she also began interviewing survivors of the atomic bomb against the real-time

like your parent, and

backdrop of the September 11 attacks. “A single plane

everyone was supporting

in a blue-sky morning,” Rizzuto reflects, broke into

you—there was never

each of those days: August 6, 1945, and September

any sense of ‘you can’t

11, 2001.

do this.’ When I got to

14 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2

discrimination,” she continues, “I didn’t feel like that

“When people survive a deeply traumatic

the mainland later and

experience like the incarceration camps or the atomic

we talked about gender

bomb,” she says, “it’s natural that they might cope by


creating a healing narrative.” This is why, she believes, her grandmother never spoke to her of the camps— and also why it was initially so difficult to speak to the survivors in Hiroshima about their experience. “We each have the right to heal and to tell or retell our stories however we need to heal,” Rizzuto says. But from a historical perspective, skimming over the truth can exacerbate violence and trauma. “By design, we never got to see what Hiroshima looked like,” Rizzuto explains. “Photos were censored. Truman called the bomb ‘marvelous’ and ‘infinitely complex’ and ‘the greatest achievement of science.’ The first story that emerges from history has a lot of power.” But as the September 11 attacks unfolded, the healing narratives of the Hiroshima survivors began to fall away, and they trusted Rizzuto with their stories. The book that ultimately became of her interviews with survivors of the atomic bomb, Hiroshima in the Morning, was published in 2010 by the Feminist Press. It was named a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, an Asian American Literary Award Finalist, a Dayton Literary Peace Prize Nominee, and the winner of the Grub Street National Book Award in Nonfiction.

to graduate with an astrophysics major.

Since then, she has published a third book, Shadow

Ultimately, Rizzuto is interested in how fiction or

Child, which tells the story that she went to Japan to

creative work can change what someone believes,

research. It is a mystery, a family saga, and historical

and in preserving some part of people’s actual human

fiction, told from the perspective of three strong

experience. “Trauma narratives are not easy to read,”

women, bookended by two crimes.

she says, “there is anguish within them.” But our

In some ways, Rizzuto puzzles her books together

response to anguish is “a measure of love.” Today, Rizzuto lives in Brooklyn and spends a lot of

using both character-driven drama and a perspective that pulls heavily from math, logic, and science. She

time thinking about Waimea. “My next book is about

can trace the lineage of drama back to HPA, where,

my parents. My mother had early onset Alzheimer’s,

in her senior year “I did a two-woman play with my

and my father took care of her,” she says. “He took

friend Julie Beehner so that I wouldn’t have to do

her to garage sales every Saturday… and as she was

sports,” she laughs. Math and science, too, were a big

becoming more and more intangible, he was creating

part of her world at HPA—helping to lead Rizzuto to

a very tangible world around her. It’s their love story.

Columbia University, where she was the first woman

It’s about memory. •

Photos courtesy of Reiko Rizzuto. To learn more, visit rahnareikorizzuto.com. 15


Creating Ka Makani Community HOW FINANCIAL AID HONORS AND UPHOLDS HPA’S UNIQUE STUDENT BODY

I

sabella DeHerrera ’24 grew up on Hawai‘i Island and came to HPA in eighth grade.

A rising junior from Honoka’a, she’s still imagining the different ways her future may unfold, but she wants to support the wellbeing of others and thinks about becoming a lawyer. “I’ve grown up surrounded by people who had to work hard for everything they have,” she explains. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities and people in my life, and I imagine helping anyone who needs it by sharing a positive attitude or seeking justice. I want to be the person to help; I want to be there for someone when they feel like they have no one else.”

16 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


17


DeHerrera receives support from the HPA Faculty Big Island Scholarship Fund, established in 2001 by former HPA English teacher Bill Davis. Davis and his fellow donors wanted to make the HPA experience more accessible for Hawai‘i Island students, and recipients must have lived on the island for at least seven years. “By coming to HPA, I wanted to push myself to the limit to achieve my academic goals,” says DeHerrera. “I also wanted to share my knowledge and culture with others—the things I believe and enjoy—because I myself like hearing about different cultures and practices from other places.” Every year, financial aid upholds this kind of sharing and exchange at HPA. Thanks to aid donors, hundreds of talented students are able to take part in the HPA ’ohana who would not otherwise. Students from many different backgrounds inspire, support, and learn from each other. In this equation, everyone benefits. Financial aid makes possible the sense of community and aloha that Ka Makani treasure.

Recognizing both need and merit Thirteen years ago, generous HPA donors founded the Kūlia Fund to assist Upper School students who demonstrate both real financial need as well as outstanding potential in academics, community engagement, and extracurricular activities. The inaugural class included 13 young men and women from every major district on Hawai‘i Island. As a group, the Kūlia recipients represented—and continue to represent—a wide diversity of interests and ability to make a difference in the world. Since then, the fund has aided dozens of Ka Makani on their way to discovering greater purpose and possibility within themselves. Applicants are evaluated based on both financial need and merit. Overall, HPA believes that a strong school community should value many kinds of talent and life experiences. Consequently, the school welcomes dedicated funding to support exceptional students with demonstrated financial need, as well as students who may not demonstrate need, but are outstanding contributors to their school and community. Some of

“I am grateful to be able to live in Hawai‘i, my native home and ‘āina. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to go to HPA and to immerse myself in the many offerings and abundance of different classes, sports, and programs. I am also thankful to have the chance to meet and interact with a multitude of people from all over the world.” – Gabriel Aiona ’23 Kūlia Scholarship recipient

18 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


Preserving HPA’s Unique Student Body Financial aid benefits all Ka Makani by strengthening HPA’s ability to enroll great students, no matter their financial circumstances. Financial aid protects who we are today, and what HPA will be in the future. • Students from Hawai‘i, the backbone of our school community. They gain deeper “While homeschooling allowed me the

understanding through international

freedom to explore and develop my

viewpoints and friendships outside our island.

interests, I longed to engage with a larger community, which drew me to HPA. … I’ve had the chance to run cross country with a team, take performing arts classes, learn Japanese, join debate club,

• Students from the continental U.S. They grow as learners and human beings through the wisdom and opportunities found in Hawai‘i. • Students from many other nations.

and collaborate with fellow musicians. I

They bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our

can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

community, and return home with Hawai‘i

– Megan Wolin ’24 Ho‘omau Scholarship recipient

values and a greater understanding of the U.S. HPA awards roughly $3.5 million in financial aid and tuition remission each year to 45% of the student body. Of that total, Hawai‘i students

the funds that provide the latter type of aid include

typically receive about 88%, with U.S. mainland

the Ho‘omau Scholarship Fund and the Kupaianaha

students receiving 5% and international students

Scholarship Fund, which was established this year to

receiving 7%.

recognize Middle and Upper School students who are truly exceptional, evaluated on character alone. Growing up and gaining wisdom (of all kinds) within this community provides a life-changing perspective for aid recipients and, by extension, all

19


Ka Makani. “What strikes me most about the HPA

income, savings, debts, dependents ... we account

community is the diversity and yet inclusivity of the

for the cost of living in Hawai‘i versus other states.

student body,” writes Megan Wolin ’24, a Ho‘omau

And every year, there are many truly stellar applicants

scholar. “I’m awed to meet so many people from

whose families have extremely limited ability to pay

backgrounds different than my own and thankful for

for tuition. Even with the aid packages we award,

the special friendships I’ve made. … The diversity of

most families still have to cobble together some way

HPA is woven into a beautiful community of students

to pay for more tuition than they can comfortably

where there is a place for everyone.”

manage.”

Why we must invest in our students

with special initiatives such as Alu Mai, contribute

working against the diverse composition of HPA’s

additional support, but given the number of families,

student body. Families that can afford the full cost

it is impossible for HPA to fund a student’s full need.

of tuition are coming from a smaller and smaller

On average, HPA can cover only 55 percent of a

segment of the population. The need for financial

family’s demonstrated need.

assistance has grown dramatically and continues

Limited financial aid means that many talented,

to escalate for all private schools, including HPA—

deserving students simply choose not to pursue an

spurred most recently by the COVID-19 pandemic. “When our team reviews a family's Parent Financial Statement,” explains one member of the financial aid determine a family’s need. We look at all sources of

modest endowment on which to draw, and it is not sufficient to meet the demand. The HPA Fund, along

Unfortunately, demographics and economics are

committee,“we have a good deal of data to help us

To deal with this major challenge, HPA has a very

HPA education. Other families shoulder enormous financial stress, and are grateful for the portion of relief that HPA is able to provide. Meanwhile, HPA’s advancement team is continually working to increase financial aid endowment that will allow students to

“I'm striving to go to college for my future and I believe that HPA is the Holy Grail of all high schools in Hawai‘i. The academics and technology that HPA has to offer are so eye-opening and astonishing, I truly believe it will allow me to learn new things I've never imagined.” – Mixtli Lindsey-Robles ’24 HPA Faculty Big Island Scholarship recipient

20 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


The future of financial aid is the future of HPA HPA has been blessed with an extraordinary place on earth that we must steward. Likewise, the school has been blessed over the years with a student body that is distinctive among U.S. boarding schools and unlike any other in Hawai‘i. “We must ensure that HPA remains committed to the children of Hawai‘i and to a blended global school community,” says Interim Head of School Fred Wawner. “All our programs and our strategic vision rest on HPA’s ability to admit and inspire Ka Makani of the future who are intellectually ambitious and purpose-driven.

“At HPA I do all that is possible to give back to the community. I am a student ambassador, a member of the DEI cohort, and a class representative, which offers a great privilege to give back by organizing Olympics and other fun activities for students to partake in. I genuinely care about being an active member of this community. Mahalo!” – Della Stallsmith ’23 Kūlia Scholarship recipient

Financial aid is the key.” Short term, HPA seeks to increase the percentage of need that HPA can meet for each student, which will relieve undue pressure on young people and their families. Ultimately, the school aims to expand the total number of students it can assist. Above all, success will be measured by the lives and service of Ka Makani themselves. “I love asking my friends what their plan is after high school and hearing all of the amazing things they have planned,” says Della Stallsmith ’23, a Kūlia Scholarship recipient. “To be surrounded by kids like this every day is a great privilege. I know my peers will accomplish incredible things! They give me hope and inspire me

grow, dream, and make a difference. “Receiving the Kūlia Scholarship has meant helping to relieve my hard-working parents of a large

that my generation will make the world a better place, a more loving and accepting place. They inspire me to take action and do the same.” •

burden not every kid has the chance to resolve,” reflects Gabriel Aiona ’23. “It has also given me a

HPA is working to expand financial aid resources

push and a boost in my own confidence about my

so that the school can assist more families more

academic ability. I do not take this honor lightly, and receiving a Kūlia Scholarship has been nothing short

completely. If you’d like to help or have questions, contact Hannah Hind Candelario ’01, director of advancement, at hcandelario@hpa.edu.

of a philanthropic ‘miracle’ in my world.”

21


KA MAKANI

PRIDE

BACK IN THE GAME Retired no more, Adam Christodoulou helps Ka Makani maintain winning ways

Adam Christodoulou was just settling into his newly-established retirement golf routine when the coaching bug found him by happenstance. Christodoulou was an ocean away from his last coaching gig in the college game at Cal State Maritime, but when he spotted an advertisement for the boys soccer head coach opening at HPA, he had to at least throw his hat in the ring. “I got to the Big Island and was happily retired, just loving life. But I missed coaching,” Christodoulou says. “It was always in the back of my mind and my son really urged me to get back into it. After we had talked, I saw the posting and I fired off an email to athletic director Stephen Perry.” Before his interview, Christodoulou did his research on the program and quickly realized the championship culture that had been built in Waimea, which included an extended streak of BIIF championships and state titles in four of the last five seasons. That level of success truly sank in when he strolled into Castle Gymnasium prior to his interview and saw the sea of banners hanging on the walls.

22 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2

“I had a few minutes to myself so I took a peek in the gym. I’ll be honest, it was a little intimidating,” Christodoulou says with a grin. “In the interview, I had to ask the question, ‘What happens if I don’t win.’ But Mr. Perry assured me that’s not what HPA is all about. It was more about playing the right way, with respect and integrity.” Christodoulou has been able to maintain the program’s excellence and values on the pitch, picking up where his predecessor James Berry — and Richard Braithwaite before him — left off. After the expected growing pains of installing new systems and strategies, the veteran skipper points to a 1-0 loss to Hilo in early February as the turning point for his team. “They looked at each other and said ‘enough is enough. We have to start doing this the right way,’” Christodoulou says. “When we watched the film, I told them I would evaluate them like they are college players. If a mistake was made, the whole team would know. To a man, they told me, ‘We will never improve unless you let us know.’” HPA outscored their opponents 27-1 from that point


KA MAKANI PRIDE

forward during the BIIF season, which concluded with a 2-1 comeback win over Kamehameha in the title game. Ka Makani rolled into the 2022 state tournament as the topseeded team and but settled for third on the state stage. Christodoulou can now add a banner to the walls in Castle Gym but says he can hardly take credit. He points to his assistant coaches, particularly John Moltz — who also works in student life on campus — as a critical ingredient for Ka Makani, as well as injured junior Noah Condon ‘23, who became a bench coach of sorts. The overall sentiment of shared accountability and camaraderie is something Christodoulou stresses, telling his players that the “team” goes beyond those who wear red and black on game days. “From the guys who cut the grass, to our athletic trainers, team managers, and the parents who come out to the game and cheer,” Christodoulou says, “we can’t do any of this without them.” •

“FROM THE GUYS WHO CUT THE GRASS, TO OUR ATHLETIC TRAINERS, TEAM MANAGERS, AND THE PARENTS WHO COME OUT TO THE GAME AND CHEER, WE CAN’T DO ANY OF THIS WITHOUT THEM.”

23


KA MAKANI PRIDE

Maintaining tradition Te‘a Kanuha ’23 builds on family paddling legacy

Te‘a Kanuha ’23 has seen her father Ikaika’s paddling

back,” Kanuha says, describing the tension-filled

medal collection and knows she has a long way to

half-mile race. “The boys in the back of the canoe

even come close to matching his legendary haul

were yelling to push and to put everything into

of hardware. However, the HPA junior is off to a

that final stretch. When we crossed the finish line I

strong start, helping set the bar during the Big

was barely able to lift up my arms and we were all

Island Interscholastic Federation season with her Ka

teary-eyed. All our hard work during the year led up

Makani mixed crew.

to that moment. There’s no feeling like being in that

Kanuha combined forces with crewmates Della Stallsmith ’23, Tain Lawson ’22, Nathan Roberts

canoe after a win like that.” Paddling isn’t just a sport for Kanuha—it’s a

’25, Kacen Hamada ’22, and Ollie Hope ’22 to help

lifestyle that goes back generations. Both her

Ka Makani zoom to a third consecutive mixed

mother and father are lifetime paddlers and her

championship during the winter season, edging

great grandfather, Keli‘ipaiomoku “Red” Kanuha,

Kea‘au by mere seconds. “We were neck and neck with them coming

was a founding member of Kai Opua, one of the

24 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2

most prominent canoe clubs in the state of Hawai‘i.


KA MAKANI PRIDE

Te’a Kanuha ’23, pictured here in the second seat.

“I’ve been around paddling my entire life,” Kanuha says. “Hearing all the stories from back in the day

is such an asset.” Like any sport, canoe paddling requires a high

are incredible. It makes me proud to continue that

level of chemistry if you want to be at the front of

tradition and it’s something I want as part of my

the pack. What makes the experience unique is that

life forever.”

if one person is not in sync, things can go awry in

Kanuha had glowing praise for head coach

a hurry and a crew can even find itself in the water

Mesepa Tanoai—or Uncle Mesepa, as she refers to

due to a huli (flip) on a turn. But when that right

him—and assistant coach Kiera Horgan. At times

combination is found, it’s a feeling unlike any other.

the training can be grueling but the coaching duo

“Being able to share the experiences with my

keeps things fresh with the right balance of fun and

crewmates is what keeps bringing me back,” Kanuha

hard work, continually steering the program in the

says. “I feel like I’ve made lifetime friendships

right direction.

through paddling.” •

“They know how to push us,” Kanuha says. “To have them guiding us and sharing their experiences

25


KA MAKANI PRIDE

26 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


KA MAKANI PRIDE

THE RETURN OF BIIF/HHSAA COMPETITION. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, KA MAKANI DISPLAYED TENACITY, SACRIFICE, TEAMWORK, AND SCHOOL PRIDE—LIKE THE WARRIORS THEY ARE. SEE YOU

GUTS AND GLORY

IN 2021-22, HPA CELEBRATED

NEXT SEASON!

27


CLASS NOTES ALUMNI NEWS GIVING AND MORE 28 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


The BIIF Regatta Championships at Hilo Bay. 29


A MESSAGE FROM BARBARA “BABS” KAMROW

Thank you, HPA, for years to grow HPA saluted Barbara “Babs” Kamrow P’84, ’89 with a special tribute on April 18 for her 42 years of service to HPA. She has been a teacher, dorm head, dorm affiliate, HPA parent, and mentor to generations of Ka Makani. While the HPA community will miss her, we are honored that she will always be part of the HPA ‘ohana.

I’ve been here long enough to see fun changes in the place. We’ve expanded our programs and broadened our horizons. Outside of class, you can hike to incredible locales. You can volunteer at the town animal shelter or study earthquakes in the Energy Lab. Our athletics programs are still stellar, and you can thrive here if sports are not your thing. Our arts programming has blossomed. And you will make friends from all around the Pacific, the mainland, and the world. During my time, I worked in every HPA dorm, and It seems amazing to me that 42 years at HPA have passed so quickly! My family and I came here in 1980, from Culver Academy, looking for our next adventure. We wanted to try new things that would shake us up and introduce our boys, Brit and Chad (then 14 and 9), to other cultures and environments. Our boys enrolled at HPA and after the first few days in 5th grade, Chad said to me, “The teachers here really like kids!” He was so right. Throughout my decades at HPA, that fact has remained fundamental to who we are as a school. We are a community that really believes in and enjoys young people. We offer them support, challenge, and independence to become the people they are meant to be.

30 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2

the kids have been wonderful every step of the way. Teenagers are delightful creatures, and I’ve had fun inventing and organizing crazy activities with them to cement dorm bonds and spark friendships. Their kindness, generosity, and willingness to pitch in and help their classmates made my job a joy. It’s been a great run. Bottom line, good things happen to kids here. I’ve seen that from the beginning to this day. I’m grateful for having had a job that I love, among colleagues and students who’ve helped me grow as a person, too. As I look back on these years, that’s my best advice: keep on growing, keep moving forward, the way HPA has been doing for this entire time. Growth makes life adventurous. And stay in touch; I’ll miss you all. •


ENERGY LAB TO BE NAMED AND DEDICATED HPA is thrilled to announce that its landmark Energy Lab will be named in honor of Michael and Jeannette Saalfeld P ’14, ’17, who anonymously funded the original design and construction. Michael Saalfeld passed away in August 2021, and HPA is grateful for the opportunity to now honor both Michael and Jeannette for their extraordinary generosity. In addition to being certified LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council, the Energy Lab was the first K–12 facility in the world to meet the Living Building Challenge, an even more rigorous green assessment threshold. A naming ceremony will take place on campus this fall, date to be announced. We look forward to celebrating this incredible learning center, which represents HPA’s commitment to student-driven research, innovation, and a sustainable future for all.

31


CLASS NOTES

Class Notes

opinionated Sports articles for the Hawaii Tribune Herald. Bob closely followed the

50s: We learned that David Forbes ’59 recently passed on. His friend, Denby Fawcett, wrote in to share the news. She said: “David was a respected expert on the art of Hawai‘i, an author of nine important books about Hawaiian history, and the best known bibliographer in the world of written material about 19th century Hawai‘i produced by authors from all corners of the globe in his four volume Hawaiian National Bibliography 1790-1900. At the time of his death, he was working every day in his apartment to finish three different books, including his massive 600-plus-page manuscript on the letters of Queen Liliuokalani, which he had been researching for more than 20 years. HPA should be very proud of David Forbes.”

60s:

Hawai‘i high school sports scene as compe-

70s: Ed (Camp) Campbell ’71 recently shared

tition progressed through to State champi-

one of his beautiful paintings with the

onships among other features. During his

school [see photo, page 35], and wrote:

legal career, he had many tough and unfor-

“When I first went to HPA, I really didn’t

giving, however gratifying, assignments as

know anyone and oddly had no roommate at

a public defender, both in Honolulu and Hilo.

the boarding school. It was good to be alone

He once greatly helped me, without hesita-

really. I used to go up in the mountains

tion, with a personal legal issue in Hawai‘i,

behind the school and just watch the

long-distance, when I was then working in

Paniolos move the cattle. In the spring they

Arctic Alaska.

would move them to the field (Anna Ranch)

“As most of you know,” Doughty con-

behind the school. So I wanted to catch the

tinues, “Bob Tully was a very intelligent,

beauty of that experience in a painting.” Ed

one-of-a-kind friend that could often be

now lives in Washington state.

rather brash, was strongly opinionated, and

Noelani Kalahiki Butler ’72 says, “Aloha

could sometimes come off controversial.

from Florida. I'm getting ready to retire

Those of us who got to know him, loved him

soon after being a nurse for 44 years and

for who he was as a very special and good

helping to welcome many babies into the

friend. Hawai‘i, it’s history, spirit, heritage,

world for the last 33 years. I am beyond

language, music and people were very close

excited to attend our 50th class reunion, to

to his heart. Back in the day, Tull and Bob

see my fellow classmates, and experience

“Uban” Banks ’69, were cruising around the

the magic of Waimea.” [see photo, page xx]

island and stopped at Manuka State Park

Daniel (Danny ) MacNaughton ’72

Mike Spalding ’66 shared news (and a photo,

in Ka’u. Tull started composing a Hawaiian

see p. 35) of continuing escapades with

shared with his classmates that: “Oregon

song while Uban played the ‘ukulele and

classmates Robby Hind and Jim Kennedy.

put its hooks in me during college and I

wrote down the lyrics. At our 50th reunion,

They met up at York Woods Mississippi

have been here ever since, now retired and

Tull beautifully sang the song, aptly accom-

“for fun times hunting ducks.” Robby Hind

living full time in Hood River. Thirty-eight

panied by Uban: a side of him I never saw

serves on the Parker Ranch board, and Mike

years married and three children. Cycling

before! It is one of the many memories of

Spalding serves on the HPA board.

has been a big part of our lives for the last

“The Tull” I will always carry with me! Me

20 or so years but mainly for the last 10. Let

Ke Aloha Pumehana, Bob.”

me know if you ever get out this way. We

Steve Doughty ’68 shared a moving tribute for classmate Bob Tully: “Some of you

Jane Taylor ’68 writes, “After teaching

have some great riding:)”

know by now, our good friend and classmate

at HPA from 1988 until 2020, I have retired

Bob Tully has passed. ‘The Tull’ certainly

and am now focused on my art.” HPA misses

had a storied and full life! Hawai‘i was truly

up the 50th reunion spirit! [see photo, page

you, Jane! You can check out what Jane is up

solid in his being, a great spirit to our ʻāina

35] “1972 50th class reunion May 2022,” she

to these days on her website: janewordtay-

and ‘ohana. In our much younger years,

writes. “Wow! Looking forward to the most

lor.blogspot.com

(continued on page 34)

I remember driving to Hilo and I saw Tull

Denice Mugg Sheffer ’72 is drumming

working a summer plantation job, picking up cane fallen from the cane trucks along the highway. Sports were a life passion. Bob once wrote comprehensive and well

32 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2

Your classmates really do want to hear from you! Please submit your notes and photos to www.hpa.edu/notes for the next issue of Ma Ke Kula.


CLASS NOTES

TO THE CLASS OF ’82

T H E

W I N D Here, where sky touches. A rocky steep ground. We built a sanctuary. A place for writers to grow. Isolated from deepest time. Ink and soil, breath, mind. Playing under that banner. Remember the wind? Everywhere it moves a piece, Places a handful of thrown grass Artful and with precision. Remember the rain? Arriving just as the last Tiny seed is carefully cast Or laid and covered with dust. Remember the sun? Young then, older now. As this mountain home now Comes to life, becomes A sanctuary for creation. Dreams of what could benefit Every single wrong or right Move in 40 long years. Yes kamakani, I remember you. —Coleman Davis (Eddie Lindsey) ’82

33


CLASS NOTES

(continued from page 32) excellent hugs and adventures!! Yes, I am bringing Marty! It can't be a party without Marty! See you soon!”

Jessica Benioni-Rios ’13

Jan Taniguchi ’72 shared news from

has recently returned to HPA to serve

his home base in St. Charles, IL: “I am

as the school’s new Communications

continuing to enjoy retirement from my

Manager. Welcome back, Jessica! Since

architectural practice, renovating our

graduating from HPA in 2013, BenioniRios attended BYU Hawai‘i on O‘ahu for

home with my wife Rebecca and Skye

two years then took some time off to

Terrier puppy, Joji, and tinkering with oil

volunteer in Mexico and Alabama with

painting. But, the big news is that Rebecca

her church. In 2019, she writes, “I got

has published her novel, Hiro's War. Hiro’s

married to my sweet husband in my

War captures the emotion, frustration,

beautiful hometown of Waimea.” She

heroism, and injustice experienced by

graduated in 2020 from Utah Valley

Japanese Americans during WW2 through

University with a bachelor’s degree in

the saga of an unlikely hero, Hiroshi Koga

Communications and Public Relations.

(Hiro). The historical fiction/coming-of-age story takes readers on an inspiring journey from the incarceration centers of Japanese Americans, where internees persevere in

in the midst of the madness and my innate

and breathe NYC…still the greatest city

sordid conditions, through boot camp and

adolescent rebellion! Anyway, I did survive

on earth! And…. I do hope to see Hawai‘i

the battle campaigns in Italy and France,

the shockingly uptight, status-obsessed

again… I hear it has changed a bit!”

where soldiers struggle to prove their

private school I attended in Maryland…

loyalty to the United States, the country

and went on to seven great years at St.

recent vacation, [see p. 35] writing: “Spent

that stripped them of their civil rights and

Lawrence University in upstate NY, 10 miles

holidays in Rome, Italy and visited Pompei.

human dignity. For those interested, it is

from the Canadian border and equidistant

No beach but lots of water (in the form of

worth a read. Check out Hiroswar.com”

from Ottawa and Montreal, with time in

rain). Aloha, Teresa”

James “Rip” Westmoreland ’72 wrote

France and Boston in between… a move to

Teresa Fister ’78 sent a photo from a

in to share a few updates since “my one and

NYC in 1980. I managed to go to law school

only great year at HPA… 8th grade. While at

in SC for three years, my “home state”

80s:

HPA, spring of 1972, I will never forget the

where I had never lived as an unrooted

Alison (Sissy) Kerr-White ’88 says that she

phone call from my mom where she said we

Army Brat roving the world. At 67, I have

now lives in Florida “with my husband, our

were moving to DC and, if I wanted, I could

just retired from 35 years practicing

almost 12-year-old daughter, two dogs, and

stay at HPA….but… wouldn’t it be ‘nice to

law in NYC, married 32 years to Susan

two fish. I am a private duty nurse for a five-

have the family back together again.’ How

Westmoreland, a food editor with family

year-old little boy; he keeps me on my toes.

could I say no to moving to DC to rejoin my

in Italy (24 years at Good Housekeeping), a

My daughter is deep into softball, playing

family? Well… it was 1968… my dad had

27-year-old professional musician son in

on a travel team and her school club team.

run the Vietnam war for 5 years and had

L.A. (Lucio Westmoreland)…and living in an

We enjoy every aspect of her sport; it’s a lot

just been promoted to Chief of Staff of the

1886 brownstone in Park Slope Brooklyn,

of family fun. We get back to O’ahu about

US Army, Pentagon… the s**t was hitting

play in 5 bands…on three different

twice a year, and occasionally back to the

the fan all over the place… and, with the

instruments, Francophile and Italophile...

beautiful Big Island as well to catch up with

option of remaining on an island way out in

and avid road biker. If any of you make

HPA ‘ohana.”

the Pacific Ocean... I chose to move to DC

it to NYC… you must reach out to me. I live

(continued on page 38)

34 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


CLASS NOTES

1

2

3

4

5

1. Ashley Ogden Wilken ’06 and her husband welcomed new baby Clayton Rice Wilken, born 12/21/2021. 2. Tiare Easley ’01 is in medical school and has four wonderful daughters who keep her busy these days. 3. Mike Spalding ’66, Robby Hind ’66, and Jim Kennedy ’66 at York Woods Mississippi. 4. Denice Mugg Sheffer ’72 and husband Marty are ready for the 50th Reunion festivities!

6

7

5. Teresa Fister ’78 recently visited Rome and Pompei! 6. Jaime Lanin ’01 and husband Dan welcomed baby girl Isabelle (Izzy) Makana on January 7, 2022. 7. Kamuela Lindsey ’19 a year ago for his 21st Lā Hānau. 8. Noelani Kalahiki Butler ’72 will be able to retire from the world of nursing soon! 9. Ed (Camp) Campbell ’71 recently shared one of his beautiful paintings of Paniolo on Anna Ranch with the school.

8

9

35


Ka Makani friendships are forever! Reunion season in June got us thinking even more about friendships sparked in Waimea and how they last throughout the years. We went back to the archives to pull a small selection of photographic evidence that high school may be over, but Ka Makani is forever.

36 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


ALUMNI NEWS

Student of History Peter Young ’70 shares Images of Old Hawai‘i

Two years ago, alumnus Peter Young ’70 received an Individual Achievement Award from Historic Hawai‘i Foundation for his commitment to preserving Hawai‘i ’s culture and history through both his public and private service. “But your Ma Ke Kula article shouldn’t be about me,” he says. “You should really focus on the history. We should know where we came from.” Young documents that history daily on his blog, Images of Old Hawai‘i, but he is clear that he is “not a historian. I’m just learning about the place where I was born and raised and continue to live, and then sharing what I learn.” Images of Old Hawai‘i began a little more than 10 years ago as daily Facebook posts. “I wanted to learn what this thing called ‘Facebook’ was. To do that, I made a commitment that I would make a post every day, but I wanted it to be meaningful rather than what I was eating for lunch,” he says. “Because of my work in government, as Deputy Managing Director for Hawai‘i County and Director of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), as well in my consulting work, I have had the opportunity to see some places and deal with some issues that many others have not had the same opportunity. So, I planned to share some insights and places with others.” Today, ImagesOfOldHawaii.com reaches more than 11,000 followers and friends—and covers topics ranging from poi to Pearl Harbor, from ali‘i and governance to the voyage of the Thaddeus. Delving into Hawai‘i’s past is not always a straightforward or uncontroversial pursuit, but Young believes in the importance of dialogue—even (and especially) on his chosen platform, the internet. “Hopefully,” he says, his posts will spark something in his readers. “Hopefully you learn something, or you remember something, or you'll go and look for more.” • Photos courtesy of Images of Old Hawai‘i blog 37


CLASS NOTES

(continued from page 34)

90s:

soon enough and meet all the other '01 babies in the mix now!”

“since graduating from HPA I’ve received a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmen-

Leialoha Hurwitz ’03 says that “after

tal Science from the University of Hawai‘i at

Kris Gordon ’94 finished medical school and

eight wonderful years in Seattle, I moved

Hilo. After graduating from UH Hilo, I start-

residency seven years ago. Kris resides in

back to Waimea last year and am building

ed my first career position as a Jr. Energy

New York State.

my birth doula business while enjoying

Advisor with Hawaii Energy. Hawaii Energy’s

00s:

time with my family. So anybody having

mission is to empower island families and

babies on island that want some support

businesses to make smarter energy choices

let me know!:)”

to reduce energy consumption, save money,

Tiare Easley ’01 is currently residing in Kona and working part time in pain management as a physician assistant while attending Medical school at Oceana University of Medicine (OUM). She writes, “I have four beautiful daughters who keep me very busy.” Jaime Lanin ’01 had happy news to share: “My husband Dan and I welcomed our baby girl, Isabelle (Izzy) Makana, on January 7, 2022. [see photo, p. 35] We're exhausted and in love, hunkered down in our home in Golden, CO. We were lucky enough to have Mahea Crossley Buckler ’01 working at our hospital and had her as our lactation

Ashley Ogden Wilken ’06 “is thrilled

and pursue a 100% clean energy future. I’ve

to announce the arrival of our newest

worked with Hawaii Energy for nearly three

addition, Clayton Rice Wilken, who was

years now and have recently been promoted

born 12/21/2021. [see photo, p. 35] Big

to an Energy Advisor. I love the work I’m

sister, Betty (two years old), is loving her

doing! I also have a one-year-old son who is

baby brother. Our family of four resides

busier than I am!”

in Paso Robles, CA where I am a financial

Yan (Wayne) Lin ’15 says that “after

advisor for The Rice Partnership, a

graduating from HPA, I was in NYC for four

wealth management firm headquartered

years attending college. I have been back to

in Oahu and owned by Bonnie Rice ’79.”

Taipei for two years now, and can’t wait to

Congratulations, Wilken ‘Ohana!

visit the Big Island again soon!”

10s:

Malia Byram Kantrowitz ’14 reports that

Kamuela Lindsey ’19 graduated with an Associate in Fire Science degree in 2021, with graduation ceremonies in May 2022!

consultant! For now, I'm enjoying every minute of my maternity leave until I return to my job as an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. We hope to get home

Class notes are edited for length and clarity, including adding diacritical markings and other minor adjustments, in accordance with HPA’s style guidelines.

Dyllon Ching ’16 is now the head background production assistant on the CBS production NCIS Hawai‘i. At HPA, he “did everything he could” to learn the essentials of editing and filmmaking with Mr. Bernstein, and he landed the NCIS job two days after he graduated from film school at UH. “My responsibilities are all of the extras when we have street scenes or need other background characters,” he says. Although the pandemic has certainly made it extra challenging to process 300400 actors every day, Ching seems to take it in stride and is enjoying being on set. “It’s a TV drama about crimes in the navy,” he explains. “A lot of explosions… a lot of weapons… a lot of bad guys,” NCIS Hawai‘i airs on CBS and streams on Paramount Plus.

38 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


Thank you, HPA family! Every year, your gifts make extraordinary learning possible through the HPA Fund, and 2021-22 was no exception. From Opening Days to May Day, from capstone presentations to dorm bonding, from teamwork backstage to teamwork on the playing field—your generosity was with us every step of the way. It is our honor to serve Hawai‘i and our island in return, and to ensure that every generation of Ka Makani grows up ready for the next adventure. Mahalo for your support and partnership, this year and every year. HPA Fund: www.hpa.edu/give

TOGETHER FOR HPA. 39


40 // S P R IN G/ S UMME R 2 0 2 2


Surf meets sand at Manini‘owali Beach (Kua Bay) in Kona. Photographer Reyn Kaneshiro ’18 notes: “This was taken with the DJI Mavic 3 drone I had just added to my toolkit. By trade, I am a cinematographer and tend to use photography as a way to pre-visualize film shots. The drone offers another way to tell a story. The beauty of aerial shots is that they can reveal how little you know about a place when you see it from above.” Photo by Reyn Kaneshiro ’18


65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road Kamuela, Hawaiʻi 96743 www.hpa.edu

Want more info on HPA? Application inquiries: admissions@hpa.edu All other questions: connect@hpa.edu

INSIDE: A FAREWELL FROM BABS KAMROW P’84, ’89 PETER YOUNG ’70 HAS AN AWARD-WINNING BLOG ENERGY LAB TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF MICHAEL AND JEANNETTE SAALFELD P’14, ’17


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.